Kent Premises Liability Lawyer
Premises liability is a critical area of personal injury law that holds property owners and occupiers responsible for injuries that occur on their premises due to unsafe conditions. It covers many incidents, from slip and fall accidents to negligent security cases. Navigating these types of claims can be difficult without the help of a Kent premises liability attorney as there are often several different parties who may be held responsible for the accident.
The dedicated legal team at Brumley Law Firm is here to help. With over 30 years of combined experience and 300 successful cases in the past year alone, our Kent personal injury attorneys are equipped with the experience and skills necessary to help you recover maximum compensation for your premises liability claim. Call our Kent premises liability lawyers at (833) 832-2727 or fill out our contact form to learn about your legal options.
What is Premises Liability?
Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners and occupiers to ensure their premises are safe for visitors. This duty of care varies depending on the type of visitor:
- Invitees: These are individuals who enter the property for business purposes, such as customers in a store. Property owners owe the highest duty of care to invitees, which includes regular inspections and maintenance to prevent hazards.
- Licensees: These visitors, such as social guests, enter the property for non-business purposes with the owner’s permission. Owners must warn licensees of any known dangers that are not obvious.
- Trespassers: These are people who enter the property without permission. Generally, property owners owe a limited duty of care to trespassers, primarily to avoid intentional harm or traps.
Common Types of Premises Liability Cases in Kent, WA
Some examples of the way you may have been injured on someone else’s property include:
- Slip and Fall Accidents: These occur when a person slips, trips, or falls due to hazardous conditions like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained walkways. Key elements include proving the existence of a dangerous condition, the owner’s knowledge of the condition, and the failure to address it. A Kent slip and fall lawyer can help you with this type of claim.
- Negligent Security: Property owners may be liable if inadequate security measures lead to criminal activities, such as assaults or robberies, that harm visitors. Cases often involve properties like apartment complexes, parking garages, or hotels where security lapses are evident.
- Dog Bites and Animal Attacks: Dog and other animal owners can be held responsible if their pets injure someone on their property. Liability may depend on local laws, the animal’s history of aggression, and whether the victim was lawfully on the property.
- Swimming Pool Accidents: This includes drownings and injuries at swimming pools due to lack of safety measures like fences, locked gates, or supervision. Owners must adhere to strict safety regulations to prevent such incidents.
- Elevator and Escalator Accidents: Malfunctioning elevators and escalators can cause severe injuries. Liability involves proving that the owner failed to maintain these facilities properly.
- Fire and Building Code Violations: Injuries resulting from fires, electrical hazards, or structural defects often stem from violations of building codes and safety regulations. Owners must ensure that their property complies with all relevant codes and standards.
Legal Requirements for a Premises Liability Claim
To successfully pursue a premises liability claim, the injured party must typically prove the following:
- Duty of Care: The property owner owed a duty of care to the injured party.
- Breach of Duty: The owner breached this duty by failing to maintain a safe environment.
- Causation: The breach directly caused the injury.
- Damages: The injured party suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
In order for you to have a viable premises liability claim, all of the aforementioned elements of negligence must be met. A Kent premises liability attorney can help you determine whether all of these criteria have been satisfied.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Premises liability cases can be complex and challenging to prove. An experienced Kent premises liability lawyer can help by:
- Conducting Thorough Investigations: Gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts to build a strong case.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Ensuring the injured party receives fair compensation for their injuries.
- Representing Clients in Court: Providing skilled representation if the case goes to trial.
Contact Our Kent Premises Liability Lawyers Today
Understanding premises liability is crucial for victims seeking justice and compensation. With the right legal support, you can navigate the complexities of the law and hold property owners accountable for their negligence. If you’ve been injured on someone else’s premises, contact our Kent premises liability attorneys at (833) 832-2727 or use our online contact form to start your claim with Brumley Law Firm.